31 minute read
Under the Hood
MUSICNOMAD’S PREMIUM GUITAR TECH TRUSS ROD WRENCH SET By Brian Berk
In today’s new world, having everything you need at your store or home in order to get the job done is even more important. This starts with having the right tools. Assuming you work on guitars often, fumbling around looking for the right wrench can be a hassle and a waste of valuable time. That’s why MusicNomad Equipment Care introduced its Premium Guitar Tech Truss Rod Wrench Set, which is intended for every gig bag or workstation.
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“We see during these times where there are shelter-in-place orders, and even where they are not in effect, people are working more on their gear at home,” Rand Rognlien, product designer and CEO of MusicNomad, told the Music & Sound Retailer. “So things like string changes, setups, cleaning and general maintenance are being done in the home with more frequency and across more of their instruments. During normal times, many musicians have relied on their local stores, repair shops or techs to do the job for them, but now they are taking the time to learn how to do it themselves. Also, with more people working from home, there is more free time to care for their instruments or watch a how-to video. Having the right care and maintenance products is very important to do the job right.”
According to Sonoma, Ca.-based MusicNomad, the wrench set offers “unmatched versatility and organization in one compact, rugged case the size of an iPhone.” Designed to work on most electric, acoustic and bass guitars, this 11-piece set comes with six Allen key sizes, three socket wrench sizes, a specially designed spoke-wheel tool and a 3/8- inch blade bit.
“Finding the right size and quality wrench to get the job done is not easy due to all the different truss rod sizes out there” said Rognlien. “All our products are designed to solve problems and make life easier for musicians and techs.”
Bonus features include laser-etched sizes on each wrench and three magnetized screwdrivers for small truss rod cover screws. The socket wrenches and spoke-wheel tool can slide into MusicNomad’s Octopus handle (sold separately) for additional leverage and comfort. The kit is compatible with models from Fender, PRS, Gibson, Taylor, MusicMan, Epiphone, ESP, EVH, Gretsch, Guild, Cordoba, Ibanez, Jackson, Knaggs, Charvel, Bourgeois, Takamine and Yamaha, to name a few.
The Premium Guitar Tech Truss Rod Wrench Set carries a $54.99 retail price and is available now. A portion of all equipment care sales funds MusicNomad.com, a musicians’ advocacy website created by the company, and One For Music, a program that donates one percent of MusicNomad’s sales to music programs and nonprofits that play or promote music in everyday life.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive on the product thus far, noted Rognlien. “People can’t wait to get their hands on it,” he said. “In a recent survey we did with 600 guitar players, we found 40 percent owned 10 or more guitars. Since there are so many different-sized truss rods out there, having one kit to handle the majority of sizes is in high demand. Fender alone has six different truss rod wrench sizes, depending on the model, country of origin and what decade it was made. Also, with the kit being compact, organized and high-quality, it gives the guitarist or guitar tech the tools to get the job done.”
MusicNomad also launched TrussRodWrench.com to help the industry by tackling a much-asked question from those that set up guitars: “What truss rod wrench size do I use for my instrument?” With no industry standard, the size often changes by brand, by model, by country and even by decade.
“We found one brand might have five different wrench sizes depending on the model, where it’s made and the year,” stated Rognlien. The answer to a staple question on guitar forums can now be found in one place across 75 brands for the top acoustic, electric and bass guitars.
“By compiling the info with feedback directly from many of the brands, it’s great for the industry, because it will reduce the number of emails and phone calls [placed] to the brand’s customer service while giving techs and guitarists worldwide one place to get reliable info 24/7,” added Rognlien.
The data was compiled over four months from a team of people. “We get asked who would spend hundreds of hours to create something like this [website]? As leaders within our growing community, no niche is too small if it makes equipment care easier,” relayed Rognlien.
In addition to the new product and website, MusicNomad is also celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020. We asked Rognlien to recall some highlights from the company’s first decade in business.
“We have been blessed with many opportunities from an amazing industry,” he responded. “We have incredible relationships with our dealer and musician community. We went from not knowing one person in the industry when we started with our small lineup of guitar and drum cleaners to now having more than 70 products sold in 1,000 USA dealers, plus distribution into 40 countries. I think some of the highlights are when we get recognition for our hard work, innovation and premium quality. We have won NAMM’s Best In Show Award twice. Also, the incredible acceptance by the musician, instrument makers and tech community. For example, many of this year’s Grammy winners use our products to maintain their gear. We know our brand is the go-to for many of the top touring techs around the globe. Another highlight is we ship products to many of the top instrument makers to use on their new guitars, ukuleles, drumshells, etc., before they ship them out. Just being around 10 years gets me excited to see what the next 10 years will bring for MusicNomad and our growing community.”
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L Creates MSR 1x2.indd 1 12/26/2019 2:03:49 PM ADVICE COLUMN: TIPS AND FINDINGS FROM NAMM’S WEBINAR SERIES (continued from page 25) people may or may not be by NAMM president and CEO Regarding some information cheap. But they get a lot more Joe Lamond. for retailers, Luehrsen pointed cheap when they are ignorant “We will get through this,” out the following: of the marketplace and the said Lamond of COVID-19. “That • The U.S. Treasury Departvalue proposition. It is our job is the one thing I have seen goment, Internal Revenue Service to teach the value proposition.” ing through 120 years of record(IRS) and the U.S. Department
Sheridan concluded that, if ed history at NAMM. No matter of Labor announced two new you successfully implement the what happened, our industry refundable tax credits that offer above 10 practices, you will bepersevered and got through it. relief to employees, small and come the “thought leadership We have always pushed through midsize businesses, and the selfleader of your space.” and have generally come employed under the Families
COVID-19 Small Business Relief: Independent Con
Hosted by Mary Luehrsen, again. … You also have to have or because they have to care NAMM’s director of public affaith in music. In 5,000 years of for a family member who is fairs and government relations, recorded human history, people ill or a child whose school is this session featured Andy have made music. No matter closed because of the coronaviTompkins, NAMM’s director what happens, that will not rus? In a nutshell, the IRS will of marketing and communicachange. ... I do believe we have take your tax profit (based on tions, as well as an introduction a great future ahead.” your 2020 income), prorate it
through it better than ever before to a new growth we have never anticipated. You have First Coronavirus Response Act. • How will these credits help freelancers who can’t tractors and Gig Workers to have faith that will happen work due to their own illness
for 10 days (the equivalent of two 40-hour sick pay periods), and make that amount exempt from both income tax and selfemployment tax. This ensures that self-employed individuals will get the same benefits as those who are employed.
Regarding eviction, many states suspended all such proceedings, and the federal government instructed the Department of Housing and Urban Development to do the same.
NAMM also encouraged retailers to apply for paycheck protection programs (PPP) and/or Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) pandemic relief loans, which are available to sole proprietors, contractors and gig workers.
“Contact your state or local unemployment office and apply for enhanced unemployment benefits,” said Luehrsen. “This is the bridge support that will get us to more robust participation in concerts, theater events and other things that knit us together and make us have an exciting life in our communities.”
NAMM COVID-19 Small Business Relief Part III
This session, moderated by Luehrsen, featured Tristann Rieck of Brass Bell Music Store, Chris Syllaba of Jordan Kitt’s Music, Scott Mandeville of Tim’s Music, Richard Schiemer of Brighton Music Center, and Crystal Morris and Paul Ferrier of Gator Co.
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SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL ......C-II
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While every care is taken to ensure that these listings are accurate and complete, The Music & Sound Retailer does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors.
All panelists were asked about their reflections on how they had to change their businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have had to make decisions fast and not look in the rear-view mirror,” said Morris. “[We are] a family business; a family industry. Everyone we work with, we love as friends and family. .. It was the most sleepless nights I have ever had. We did react quickly once we saw California and New York shut down.”
When it came to layoffs, Gator Co. first looked to see which employees qualified for the EFMLA (Emergency Family Medical Leave Act), because it is the highest payment — up to $200 per day — employees can receive. “We also looked at [who] our key players absolutely necessary to have an operation [were]. And I was personally highly involved in the legislation, and once I saw $600 per week was available, plus what the state offers in unemployment, I thought it was [at least] something people could live on. We also took a lot of employees from five-day weeks to four-day weeks and key leadership, including myself, took pay reductions.”
Morris reached out to every employee Gator Co. laid off. “The amount of understanding blew me away,” Morris said. “I had many tears in my eyes as I was reading text messages saying, ‘We can’t wait to get back.’ ‘We understand.’ ‘We know this is hard.’ I felt like people were more worried about my mental state. I felt lucky we have such an unbelievable group that makes up Gator and Levy’s, and believe we made the right
decisions to be back as soon as possible.”
“I went through three stages quickly. The first was, ‘I hope this does not affect us too badly,’” said Syllaba. “Then, when things really starting hitting the fan, it was ‘Holy s---, this is really serious.’ But then, very quickly, the entire team changed to, ‘We are in this. It is serious, it is fast. Let’s roll up our shirt sleeves and get to work.’ It is very important to move quickly, make decisions and hope 80 percent of them are for the good, based on the limited information you have. It is much better than moving slowly and not making any decisions.”
Jordan Kitt’s Music also had to furlough some employees. “Luckily, the unemployment benefits right now are so good that we had a similar response [that Gator had]. [Our employees] understood we had to make the decision. … The most important thing is to make the hard decisions right now to protect the business and conserve cash so that there is still a business to rehire people.”
Jordan Kitt’s operates four stores in Maryland and Virginia. One of the first things the company did was contact its landlords to negotiate lower rent. “We tried to make deals with them. We have had some fairly good success with that,” said Syllaba. “The other thing was low-hanging fruit. There were expenses that were not that big but you can cut in five minutes. The next thing we did was apply for aid.”
Rieck noted that not only were sales good in early March at Milwaukee-based Brass Bell, they were above normal. But the retailer knew it would not last. Wisconsin’s governor later instituted a stay-at-home order, but deliveries were allowed.
“We took our school services team and transferred them to delivery services,” said Rieck. “… We have been doing everything our community needs. We have been doing a lot of rentals for folks who didn’t get their instruments out of schools, didn’t have access to them or just want to try a new instrument.”
Brass Bell also placed a specific emphasis on reconnecting with its laid-off staff. The retailer implemented Zoom parties where business was not discussed. Instead, recipes and hobbies were most talked about.
“That was a huge turn for me,” recalled Rieck. “It was when I really realized [the team] is in it and are ready to work. That motivated me and pushed me through those next steps we needed to do.”
Brighton Music Center got notice from the state of Pennsylvania it needed to close on March 12. It closed its doors then, but the staff was retained. Instead of doing inventory in June as is normally the case, the Pittsburghbased retailer commenced taking inventory right away.
Schiemer expected the COVID-19 closure to last two weeks, but then the stay-at-home order came later the first week. “That was really our ‘a-ha’ moment,” he said. “At that point, I locked the doors, and it was one of the saddest moments I experienced. [I wasn’t so much] worried for me. I was worried for our employees. This is the one job they have. This is their one form of income. They are family to me.
“We have get-togethers,” Schiemer added. “We use Google Meet to talk about what’s going and what people are doing and how everything is going. I check in with people every other day or so to make sure everyone is OK and if they need anything. … My business partner and I have been manning the two stores, answering phones and delivering stuff as we can. This
is going to sound very strange. This is terrible. This is awful. … [But] this has given me a chance to pause. Almost hit a reset [button]. It is a chance to look at the business to see things we are doing really well, focus on that, and also see things we don’t do really well, try to figure out ways to do things better and help schools
SALUTE TO SERVICE
(continued from page 26) and I said I better call this guy, because I was being unprofessional,” Nettesheim relayed. “I called and he said he didn’t hear back from me, so he signed up with another guitar instructor. I told him the person he would be taking lessons from would be good. But he asked me how I taught. I asked what he wanted to learn, and he said ‘Take it Easy’ by The Eagles. I said, ‘That’s great. That deals with basic open chords and is a catchy song. It is fun to play.’ Van Buskirk responded, ‘Do you think this guy would be upset if I came to you for lessons?’ I said, ‘No, I have sent him people before who are a better fit.’”
Van Buskirk came in for a lesson about a week later, and he and Nettesheim got along extremely well. “He said to me, ‘Just so you know, I have a disability called PTSD,’” remembered Nettesheim. “He had served in the Vietnam War, first Marine recon in 1968 and 1969 in an area called Da Nang. He would share his stories with me, and in the meantime, he was learning how to play the instrument. It really helped him a lot. Once you get that stuff off your chest, you are able to learn.”
Van Buskirk told Nettesheim that when he couldn’t sleep at night and when he was having nightmares or felt depressed, he would turn to the guitar and start strumming to “ground” him and feel “in the moment.” “That’s a big deal when you are dealing with trauma,” said Nettesheim. “You need something to bring you back. The guitar would do that for him.”
Van Buskirk was so impressed at how playing the guitar helped him that he asked Nettesheim to come to the local Wisconsin Veterans Affairs location and play for those in spinal rehab. Nettesheim initially expressed how busy he was at the time, including playing more. It is also helped me spend time with my children. I have a senior in high school and a couple of college children I get to spend time with. Now that we have a plan for payroll and I have that weight lifted, it has been refreshing in a way get back into my life and [rediscover] my love for this business.”
in bands. “But the guy is a big Marine, so I said, ‘OK, I will give you an hour,’” Nettesheim joked. “On the way to the VA in Milwaukee, I stopped at [Brookfield, Wis.] Cream City Music (Nettesheim had worked with Cream City to get lesson leads previously). I saw Joe Gallenberger, the founder of Cream City Music. His dad had recently passed of complications attributed to the trauma of wars. He said, ‘I love what you are doing, so here are two acoustic guitars for you to give away to vets. I still have a photo of that [moment] (see page 44). I remember saying someone had to take the picture because it was a really important moment.
“A few days later, a nurse called us and said you guys have to come back,” continued Nettesheim. “They want you to teach them some chords. I was told how the mood of both gentlemen [who had received the guitars] had really gone up and their appetites were better. Upon returning back to my studio, I was sitting with Dan and said, ‘Maybe we should make a nonprofit. I don’t know how, but I do know I am good at not making money.”
Nettesheim went to his computer and Googled “Guitars for Vets,” and there was not one return worldwide. Shortly after, a slogan, “The Healing Power of Music in the Hands of Heroes,” followed. Guitars 4 Vets now has provided more than 4,000 guitars and 40,000 lessons to veterans. It costs only $200 to enroll a veteran in the Guitars 4 Vets program, which pays for the guitar and accessories. Guitars 4 Vets now counts more than 110 chapters in 40 states, thanks to the work of more than 500 volunteers.
Guitars 4 Vets also has a strong team on its board of directors, including Pete Ruzicka, who served the Army and Air Force for 24 years combined; Bernard “Bud” Bobber, senior lecturer in the Music Department, Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; MI retailer Ben Kraft of Kraft Music Ltd.; and major general Stephen R. Layfield, whose key staff assignments include serving as the operations officer for V Corps, deputy chief of staff for operations and intelligence for Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps, and operational duty on the Joint Staff.
Mandeville of Californiabased Tim’s Music called the need for layoffs at the store “treacherous.” However, he explained to these employees that he was saving the future of the business so that he could hire them back once things improve.
Tim’s Music also hosts Zoom meetings it calls “Laughs and Giggles.” “We talk about our dogs, what we cook and what we plan to plant in the garden,” said Mandeville. “… We need to be that beacon of light for our employees and our community. The community really does count on us as a position of leadership in the music industry.”
Guitar 4 Vets features an even bigger list of music-industry ambassadors. On this list are Tommy Emmanuel, Tony Polecastro, Willy Porter, Sonny Moorman, Breck Philip, Dan Cord, Halestorm, Stiched Up Heart, Tavis Stanley and Ernie C.
“I am so honored to be involved with G4V,” said Emmanuel. “The guitar is a friend to us always. Ready whenever we are, never impatient, never asking too much. Pick one up, and the relationship will be there forever. Together, we can help so many vets get the joy back in their lives through the power of music.”
Guitars 4 Vets supporters also include Earl Slick and Scott Ian of Anthrax. “I think [Guitars 4 Vets is] great, especially after I learned more about it when I was initially approached. I didn’t really understand what it was, and then I got educated on it and found out, even therapeutically, what it means for these guys just to pick up a guitar and learn how to even play a chord, and what it could mean for their psyche,” said Ian. “It’s something I totally believe in, because I truly believe music, as cheesy as it sounds, it is really a common bond through everyone on this planet, every culture, everywhere on this planet. Everybody has music, something that comes from their culture, whatever it may be. But I think music is something that is generally, universally loved on this planet and brings joy to most people. So, if there’s any way I could help bring happiness and certainly help veterans with guitars, it’s obviously a no-brainer.”
Lives Saved
Above all, what’s most important to Nettesheim is how important playing guitar is for veterans dealing with PTSD and their outlook on life. “The most common phrase I hear is ‘It saved my life,’” said Nettesheim. “I always tell them, ‘You saved your life.’ At the end of the day, the person has to want to live. We are throwing them a life preserver. These folks are struggling. All they need is that one thing to live for. A little oxygen on the spark of the flame. It can also get them to see their therapists and get the medicine they need.
“We are not music therapists,” he continued. “When we hire someone to work for us, we use an acronym PAGE. P stands for patience, A for acceptance, G is gratitude and E is empathy. Those are the most important things you need to have. And the guitar is the catalyst for positive interaction.”
Nettesheim recalls a veteran who had served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He had a lot of rage. The vet told Nettesheim he did not want to take guitar lessons, but his therapist thought he should. Nettesheim saw the vet had a short fuse, so he decided to start with one chord, an E minor. “It is an easy chord to play,” said Nettesheim. “I find it a passionate chord. Some say it is sad, and some say it is romantic, but it gets things moving. He played the chord and played it well. He [later] told me he [wanted to] tell me what he thought of the program. I thought he was going to read me the riot act. But he started to shake, his lips started
G4V accepts its first instrument donation from Cream City Music's Joe Gallenberger (right) in 2007.
to quiver and tears started rolling down his face. He strummed the chord again and looked up at me and said, ‘This is the first time I felt peace.’ He ended up playing the guitar really well. He would even sing in the hallways. It is one of the greatest transformations I have ever seen.”
Guitars 4 Vets could not be successful without MI manufacturers’ and retailers’ help. Nettesheim was quick to mention Yamaha, which donates a number of guitars to Guitars 4 Vets each year. Yamaha has supported Guitars 4 Vets for approximately seven years. “Yamaha’s [partnerships and alliances manager] David Jewell has been instrumental,” said Nettesheim. “In fact, in 2019, in honor of us setting up our 100th chapter, Yamaha donated 100 guitars. Ben Kraft of Kraft Guitars also donated 100 guitars every year for the past four years.”
Gibson and its Epiphone brand also provided plenty of assistance. Gibson CEO J.C. Curleigh’s father served in the military, and he loved what Guitars 4 Vets has been doing, explained Nettesheim. “Dendy Jarrett now runs the Gibson foundation, called Gibson Gives. I met him at The NAMM Show [this year],” said Nettesheim. “Meeting people at NAMM is so important for us. We would not be anywhere without NAMM. Dendy loved our idea. Gibson gave us 14 olive-drab-colored custom shop Les Paul guitars so we could give them away to vets. You want to talk about making somebody’s life? Give them a $7,800 guitar. They also gave us 36 Epiphone Masterbilt acoustics and 19,000 sets of strings.”
Many other companies and retailers have also stepped up to the plate to help Guitars 4 Vets’ cause, including Alfred Music,
Kyser, Reverb, Hal Leonard, Cordoba, TKL, D’Addario, Dunlop, Dean Zelinsky, Heid Music, Hix Bros. Music, Levy’s Leathers and WD Music Products.
Like all others, COVID-19 presented a new challenge for Guitars 4 Vets, as it had to cease in-person lessons. Nevertheless, the organization remains committed to its mission and is ramping up its efforts to use technology to virtually deliver guitar lessons to veterans.
“We’d like you to help us with these digital efforts by accepting a ‘challenge’ to record a brief video guitar lesson that we can post on our social media sites,” the organization stated in a June email. “G4V’s campaign, called ‘Band Together,’ will ask professional and amateur guitar players around the world to either record a short guitar lesson to share with our veterans or donate money to help G4V resume it’s in-person pro
G4V gifts its first set of donated guitars to veterans.
gramming when social distancing guidelines are lifted.”
Of course, all politicians have big issues on their plate these days. However, during normal times, one problem still remains regarding the MI industry in general, and it certainly applies to Guitars 4 Vets: There remains a disconnect in terms of politicians understanding the benefits of music making, or at least an unwillingness for the government to fund music programs despite their demonstrable positive benefits. The power of politicians promoting music-making, and specifically the benefits of vets playing music, is something that could perhaps lift charities like Guitars 4 Vets even higher into the stratosphere.
“I don’t think politicians have a nefarious plan regarding music. But I think they fully understand its positive impact,” said Nettesheim. “They believe it would make people happier to talk about the sourcing of additional equipment for high-school football teams as opposed tp musical instruments for school bands and orchestras.”
Nettesheim stressed there are exceptions to this rule, however. U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) was responsible for Guitars 4 Vets getting its 501 (c) (3) non-profit status approved. “I went to the head of the [Department of Veterans Affairs] and got an endorsement,” Nettesheim said. “And I knew [Feingold]. He said he would take care of it. After three or four months, he did.”
More information on Guitars 4 Vets, including how to donate and start a chapter, can be found at guitars4vets.org.
MI SPY
(continued from page 31)
Homestead Pickin’ Parlor www.homesteadpickinparlor.com
Some musical instrument store websites are flashy, some are a bit drab, and some are in that great in-between. Your MI Spy thinks that Homestead Pickin’ Parlor is in that third category, with its laid-back, kind of understated homepage done in light, natural colors. The store’s logo shows a hand decked out with a variety of fingerpicks making the “OK” sign, and a photo depicting guitars and banjos hanging on wall is placed front and center on the homepage. That’s a great way to welcome string instrument enthusiasts to the page.
Homestead has been serving
THE FINAL NOTE (continued from page 46)
Meikle: John Lennon. Not only for his music, but I sometimes wonder what he would have made of the modern world, politics, the internet, etc. I feel his opinion might be one we could do with from time to time.
The Retailer: What musician are you hoping to see play in the near future?
Meikle: I was going to see Michael Kiwanuka last month, but it was canceled and rescheduled for September, so I’m looking forward to that.
The Retailer: What song was most memorable for you throughout your childhood, and what do you remember about it the most?
Meikle: The first single I bought was “Mr. Blue Sky” by ELO. I wore that record out. I love everything about it, especially when the instrumental kicks in toward the end.
The Retailer: What are your favorite songs on your smartphone/iPod?
Meikle: I have so many, but any songs from The Beatles’ “Revolver” album or Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” always seem to be perfect for the moment.
The Retailer: What’s the most fun thing you saw/did at a NAMM Show?
Meikle: I love everything the folk music and bluegrass communities since 1979, with instrument sales, lessons, jams and other events. It sells a variety of new and used instruments. For instance, its banjos range in price from just under $500 to over $4,000. Click on the photo of each instrument, and you’ll be sent to a page that lists the MSRP and product specs (and as the site says, if you phone the store, you’ll get the “HPPARP,” or the “Homestead Pickin’ Parlor Actual Retail Price,” which I guess means they’re open to haggling). The store’s acoustic guitar selection is not huge, but it stocks some beautiful models. It also sells mandolins, ukuleles and other instruments.
about NAMM. The setup, the meetings, the dinners, talking with and seeing old friends. The whole week is a perk of being in this industry, and every year I come away from it feeling more inspired.
The Retailer: If you had to select three people, past or present, to have dinner with, who would they be and what would you ask them?
Meikle: Nelson Mandela: I’d ask him how he survived and never lost faith in what he believed in.
Marvin Gaye: I’d ask him how he had the vision to make “What’s Going On” and how a pop star could make an amazing, socially aware album in which every word can still resonate today and every day since it was made.
Winston Churchill: I’d ask him how you make the hardest decisions in your life with clarity and confidence, where the belief comes from and the strength to stand by them.
The Retailer: Tell us about your most memorable experience with an MI retailer (without naming them).
Meikle: Ha … I once gave a buyer my business card, and as we started talking, he scrunched it up in his hand and pushed it across the desk. Ha-ha … I guess I made a good impression.
Homestead also sells a variety of accessories, but if you click on the photos of guitar straps, strings or other items, you don’t get specifics — just an enlargement of the photos, not prices and brands. The store should make this section of the website more informative.
One thing that is particularly interesting about the website and Homestead in general is the number of music lessons and instructors it has. It goes way beyond the typical guitar, violin and bass lessons: It also offers lessons in accordion, banjo, dulcimer, autoharp, pedal steel, harmonica, voice resophonic guitar and even music theory. Several instructors work with Homestead, and you can read their credentials by clicking on their names. In addition, Homestead has jams and workshops that you can explore on the website (and eventually in person).
The Retailer: What is the best thing about the MI industry?
Meikle: I like the fact you can have two CEOs sitting having a meeting, one is wearing an Italian suit, the other has a ponytail and is wearing a biker jacket, and it’s totally normal.
The Retailer: Who do you admire most outside of the music industry and why?
Meikle: There are a lot of truly committed people in this industry; genuine people who are passionate about education and bettering society. I love that, and it’s probably not something you’ll readily see in many other industries.
The Retailer: What technology could change MI down the road?
Meikle: I think the internet will continue to bring convenience to the industry, and the lockdown due to the coronavirus may have accelerated that, with more online music lessons and options of how to shop and collect your purchases. Business technology will no doubt improve service levels, and I’m sure developments in manufacturing will continue to help us make betterquality products.
The Retailer: If you weren’t in the music industry, what would you be doing and why?
Overall, the website is easy to get around, and works well, but would be bolstered by more information in the accessories and books sections.
Editor’s Note: Check back in the July issue as MI Spy reviews four more Minneapolis MI store websites and determines a winner among all nine stores.
Meikle: I’m not that good at it, but I love cooking and I love food. Being a successful chef sounds appealing.
The Retailer: Tell us about your hometown and why you enjoy living there.
Meikle: My hometown is Durham in the North East of England, and although I spend a lot of time away, it’s always been my home, because family and friends are there. It’s a small, historic university city with a 900-yearold Norman cathedral and caste perched on two hills in the center of town. Stunning little place with great people.
The Retailer: What are your most prized possession(s) and why?
Meikle: I’m not really into possessions. I don’t collect or hoard anything and travel pretty light. I have a couple guitars I always play, which are an Alvarez and a Yairi. And apart from that, my focus is family.
The Retailer: What’s your favorite book and why?
Meikle: I don’t have a favorite, but for sure, some children’s books bring back great memories with the kids. Other than that, I enjoy business and marketing reads, and some biographies.
